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Quadrophonic Amps with both CD-4 and SQ - recommendations?

D

DevlinC

Member
Hi all, long time no post.

Have been meaning to get into Quad for many years now having picked up a selection of LPs and 8-tracks in the format.

The 8-track is easy enough but of course there are various decoding methods for vinyl and I want something that does the job for both.

Have definitely seen amps that offered both on eBay but as a total fluke - would be useful to have a comprehensive list of the "best" amps for a modern buyer to be looking out for.

Would also be interested in stand-alone decoders that you could run through two amplifiers or 4 monoblocks if the decoding was significantly better going that route. Ideally however it would be a standalone amp, as I would like Quad 8-track and vinyl to both be available at the same time through the same system.
 
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Given where you're located, I'd be looking for a Sansui QRX-999 (Euro version of the 9001). Yes, it's a receiver...and it has prime implementations of QS, SQ, CD4 and inputs for your 8T.

Cheers,
Larry B.
 
I did not see receivers mentioned in your last paragraph, only a mention of decoders, amps/monoblock amps.
 
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8 track or other discrete four channel sources get plugged into a dedicated "direct 4 channel" loop on any quad receiver. I hooked up my Oppo SACD player to that, as well as a mono amp for the center channel. I also had a four channel switcher for multiple sources back in the day, but retired my Teac RR a while back and would be hard pressed to even find the thing again. Not even sure they make such a thing anymore, but if pressed, I suppose you could use a couple two channel switchers.

As far as outboard decoders go, you're limited in selection, and your choices are older tech OR uber expensive ... or both. Receivers ain't exactly cheap anymore either ... quad seems to be "suffering" a resurgence in popularity ... glad I got mine before the rush. <G>

And ya ... Sansui had the TOTL last generation "vario matrix" decoders in the QRX series, and that covers anything quad nicely. Only thing I'd add is ... CD4? Why? Except for novelty, it's a real bugger to set up properly, and you've not much selection to choose from. I went through all that with all my receivers, and quite frankly, didn't feel it was worth the effort for the few titles I have. I'd be more interested in making sure whatever I got could handle both QS and SQ without outboard decoders ... LOTS more titles available, and both formats will play on a standard table if you're into vinyl.

PS ... my precioussssssssss ... fully restored and singin' like new!

completed2.jpg
 
Ohighway said:
I did not see receivers mentioned in your last paragraph, only a mention of decoders, amps/monoblock amps.
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Surely if I said "amps/monoblock" then it implies a receiver sending to a seperate amp too? In any case, I'm just interested in whatever solution people think is best.

sKiZo said:
And ya ... Sansui had the TOTL last generation "vario matrix" decoders in the QRX series, and that covers anything quad nicely.
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I suspect these are going to be rare as hen's teeth here in the UK. I'll cast the net out around Europe too but I think even there will be tough! Any other suggestions?

Only thing I'd add is ... CD4? Why?
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It does seem that it's quite a different system to the others, discrete rather than matrixed. Really I'm just the kind of person who likes to have all options available at all times. I have one or two albums in the format and it's a shame to think I'll never get to enjoy them as intended.

That Sansui is certainly a beauty!
 
No it doesn't imply that..... and don't call me Shirley !!! Ha.... just pullin' your chain.

Ok so your sources so far are 8 track and LP at this point? Do I have that right? With the LPs do you have both SQ matrix and CD-4 disks? SQ really isn't a big deal but with the CD-4 setup you're gonna need a special cartridge, low capacitance cables from the turntable to ...well.... either a CD-4 decoder to an amp/receiver/preamp or get a unit with built in CD-4 capabilities.... likely a receiver.

Gotta' be honest with you. Living through the whole quadraphonic thing back when it was new in the early to mid 70's, I pretty much scrapped using the CD-4 setup. When it worked properly it was great, but LP selections were limited, higher priced, and the CD-4 setup would need adjustment. (many had dedicated disks needed to set up properly) I pretty much ended up playing FM radio, my LPs (stereo and SQ disks) through either my SQ or RM decoder on my receiver and was a happy guy.

8 track will indeed give you discrete 4 channel but 8 track quality as you know is ..... meh. Do you have any notion of acquiring a 4 channel reel deck? They're out there as are the discrete 4 channel reel tapes. As with other stuff.... all it takes is $$.
 
Ohighway said:
Ok so your sources so far are 8 track and LP at this point? Do I have that right?
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Yup.

With the LPs do you have both SQ matrix and CD-4 disks?
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Yes. Not many CD-4s, mostly SQs and QS.

SQ really isn't a big deal but with the CD-4 setup you're gonna need a special cartridge, low capacitance cables from the turntable to ...well.... either a CD-4 decoder to an amp/receiver/preamp or get a unit with built in CD-4 capabilities.... likely a receiver.
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I believe I have the turntable and cartridge dealt with - an AT440MLa on a Technics 1210.

8 track will indeed give you discrete 4 channel but 8 track quality as you know is ..... meh. Do you have any notion of acquiring a 4 channel reel deck? They're out there as are the discrete 4 channel reel tapes. As with other stuff.... all it takes is $$.
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R2R is a nice dream but they're even harder to come across in Europe, it never really happened here like it did in the US, and it's not like it was super popular there either. I've heard some great sounding 8 tracks but it's a real lucky dip. The only major problem for 8 track, to me, is the ridiculous CLUNK sound. In any case, I'd be open to moving over to R2R when I win the lottery.
 
Yeah.... I keep forgetting your location and how that affects what you might/might not have available to you. I do remember recently seeing someone here on AK on your side of the pond came up with a killer quadraphonic preamp. JVC maybe.... super top of the line piece it appeared.

IIRC Panasonic had some quality decoders.

Whether receiver, or quad integrated amp, or quad preamp you should be in good shape with phono inputs, aux input for your 8 track or outboard decoder, and a tape loop just in case you get that RTR.

BTW my old setup was a TOTL Kenwood 9340 receiver, Thorens TD-160c table with low cap cables added, AT 15s cartridge with Shibata stylus. Really enjoyed that rig though the original 9340 got away from me. I now have the slightly newer and upgraded 9940, and the Thorens table.... though the AT cartridge got away from me. No matter as.... like I mentioned..... not really worried about the CD-4 anymore ( the Kenwood receiver had a plug in CD-4 module installed) Interestingly I do have a quad 8 track and a few tapes, though I've never hooked it up to the receiver. I'll consider it a novelty. I do have a AKAI 4 channel RTR that I came up with years ago. Need to go on a quadraphonic tape hunt !!
Best of luck with your endeavor.
 
Sony made a decoder... several actually... and the 2050 could take two ordinary 2-channel receivers.. one for the front speakers, one for the rear speakers... and once connected provide SQ, regular matrix, and discrete modes of 4-channel listening.
 
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